When Babar Azam made his debut in international cricket, fans and critics felt that finally Pakistan have found their own talisman in modern-day cricket. His elegant strokes and calm demeanor at the crease have earned him fans worldwide. He was considered among few best all-format batters across the globe.
However, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Babar at his best, especially in Test cricket. The last time his star truly shined was back in December 2022, when he scored a magnificent 161 against New Zealand. Since that innings, though, it seems the runs have dried up for Babar, and with each passing Test, the pressure continues to mount.
Babar’s Form Is Worrying
Since that memorable knock, he has failed to crossed the fifty-run mark in 11 Test innings. This alarming dip in form was painfully evident in the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh, where Babar was dismissed for a silver duck in the very first session.
As the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, Babar’s struggles are particularly concerning. While other Pakistani batters like Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel have stepped up their game, Babar’s performances have gone in the opposite direction.
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Saud Shakeel has been Pakistan’s best batter in last seven Test matches, having scored 685 runs at an average of 68.50. Salman Ali Agha is next with 452 runs. Meanwhile, Babar is on sixth with only 252 runs in seven Tests.
A Stark Contrast: Home vs. Away
Babar’s record in home Tests has been relatively strong, with an average of 69.64 in 2022. However, his performance away from home tells a different story. His technique was exposed during Pakistan’s tour of Australia, where he managed only 77 runs in four innings, with a top score of 41.
The incoming deliveries have become a particular weakness, and his confidence appears to be at an all-time low after a disastrous couple of years in Tests. With Pakistan still in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final, the team desperately needs Babar Azam to find his form again.
He has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but those moments are becoming increasingly rare. The question now is whether Babar can overcome this challenging period and reclaim his place as one of the world’s premier batters or whether Pakistan needs to start considering other options.
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